"Elvis Dumervil has been a leader for us on and off the field," general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. "He has made a positive impression on our franchise, and we have been fortunate to have him as a Raven. We respect his professionalism and the way he plays the game, in addition to his extensive charitable efforts that have greatly impacted our Baltimore community and his parents' native country of Haiti.

"We have not closed the door on the possibility of him returning in the future."

Battling a foot injury for the first two months of the season, Dumervil recorded just three sacks in eight games last year. After racking up an impressive 26.5 QB takedowns in his first two years with the Ravens, he managed just nine in 24 games over the past two.

A five-time Pro Bowler averaging nearly 12 sacks per year from 2007 through 2014, Dumervil's days as a starter are likely over at age 33. If he stays healthy, though, perhaps he can carve out a valuable role as a situational pass rusher along the lines of DeMarcus Ware or Dwight Freeney.

With bookend outside linebacker Terrell Suggs entering his age-35 season, the Ravens will have to address the position in free agency or early in the draft.